Ian Garry labels potential Islam Makhachev fight as modern-day Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor

After his win over Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar, Ian Garry now believes he is owed a title fight against Islam Makhachev. Not just that, he views the potential match-up as the second coming of Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor.

In Qatar, Garry showcased his well-rounded game, efficiently fending off Belal Muhammad's level change attempts while maintaining good work on the feet, particularly with debilitating leg kicks that compromised his opponent's mobility.

When the final scorecards were read, Garry came away with a unanimous decision win over the former welterweight champion.

Now, with wins over a bonafied welterweight killers' row, including Carlos Prates and Neil Magny, the Irishman believes he is the clear next contender to face the newly minted welterweight champion. Campaigning for the match-up during the post-fight press conference, Garry said:

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"There is nobody who has fought a deeper division, who has fought the guys from top to bottom. You name them, [Daniel Rodriguez] 'D-Rod', [Neil] Magny. Geoff Neal, 'MVP' [Michael Page], Shavkat [Rakhmonov], Carlos [Prates], and I haven't even got a title shot yet?... Not on my watch."

Garry added:

"Islam Makhachev is the protege of Khabib. I'm the protege of Conor. This is the new wave of Dagestan. A technical on the feet, a more technical grappler than Khabib. I'm a longer, faster, more versatile version of Conor. It's the perfect fight to make... The ball is in his court. Whenever he is ready, whenever he wants. If he wants to do it in Dagestan, I will see him there. I'm not afraid of any man walking this Earth."

Check out Ian Garry call for a fight against Islam Makhachev below:

When McGregor locked horns with Nurmagomedov at UFC 229, the Irishman struggled with 'The Eagle's' grappling pressure, ultimately getting submitted via a neck crank in the fourth round.

Garry, however, has a credible track record dealing with wrestlers, as evidenced by his recent win over Muhammad and a closely contested loss against Shavkat Rakhmonov.

While 'The Future' is not a regular at McGregor's gym, SBG Ireland, he has trained with the MMA megastar in the past.

Edited by Ujwal Jain